The introduction of new "sellers packs" is to be delayed, it was announced yesterday. Opening the second reading of the government's Housing Bill, minister Keith Hill argued that the move would be phased in to address concerns that the housing market is not ready for them.

Forum Response: Construction Products Association

Rita Singh, policy development executive at the Construction Products Association, told ePolitix.com: "We are disappointed that the home information packs will not be introduced more swiftly as we believe that they will bring about real benefits in terms of informing buyers of the energy profile of a property.

"The packs will therefore encourage those selling their houses to improve their property's energy efficiency performance and help improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.

"However, we understand that the packs can only be introduced successfully when the housing industry is ready to provide them and when there are sufficient trained home inspectors and satisfactory insurance arrangements

"The government should now set a clear timetable showing the steps it intends to take to achieve the introduction of home information packs nationwide."